Do You Live in the "Blue Zone"?

These Are the Places Where People Live the Longest, Healthiest Lives

Photo by Sho K on Unsplash

Kenny Loggins may have been singing the wrong lyrics in his 1986 song, “Danger Zone.” When it comes to a better life, people should really get on the “highway to the blue zone!”

“Blue zones” are areas around the world where people are healthier and live longer. The common thread in each of these places is a healthy diet, frequent movement, and a sense of community. The concept of these healthy, long-living areas was coined by author and explorer Dan Buettner following an expedition for National Geographic.

Even if you don’t live in a blue zone, you can put their practices into action in your life. Who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire others and turn your own hometown into a blue zone area.

The Full List of Blue Zone Areas

As of 2024, there are five places that qualify as a blue zone according to Buettner. Travel around the world and you will probably end up in one of these blue zones.These five blue zones are:

1. Okinawa, Japan

2. Nicoya, Costa Rica

3. Ikaria, Greece

4. Loma Linda, California

5. Sardinia, Italy

Each of these areas is populated with people who eat well, regularly exercise, and spend a significant amount of quality time together. It just goes to show that healthy eating, fitness, and community are the ultimate power combo.

Learn More About Each Blue Zone

Get your passport ready because you’ll want to book a stay in a blue zone. You can learn something from the residents of these areas and maybe just live long enough to see your 100th birthday!

Okinawa, Japan

The Okinawans are known for practicing hara hachi bu, which is stopping when their stomachs are 80% full rather than overindulging at every meal. Superfoods like tofu, miso, seaweed, and the purple sweet potato are popular choices. This lean way of eating is likely why Okinawa is considered a blue zone area.

Community is extremely important to the people in Okinawa, Japan. Most of the population practices ikagai, which is a reason for being or a sense of purpose. Each person also has a strong social network known as their moai with whom they rely on for emotional support.

Nicoya, Costa Rica

An article in Stanford Magazine notes that Nicoya boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Men and women in this area live to be 85 on average. Some argue that their longevity is in their DNA, while others believe their lifestyle choices play a vital role.

It’s hard not to be inspired by this blue zone area. The people here have a strong sense of faith and believe in the importance of family. Almost everyone eats a healthy diet of no-processed foods. Some nutritious local favorites include: fresh beans, squash, corn, fruit, rice, pejibayes, and homemade tortillas.

Ikaria, Greece

Come to Ikaria for the beautiful sunsets over the Aegean Sea, but stay to learn wisdom from its healthy population. People in Ikaria live well past the age of 90 while retaining their mental acuity.

Those who live in Ikaria are sharp of mind and long in spirit because of their healthy Mediterranean diets and active lifestyles. They also form strong bonds with each other in their small communities.

Loma Linda, California

California is the only U.S. state that made the list of blue zone areas. Residents here live an average of 10 years longer than other Americans. Many attribute this longevity to their plant-based diet, which consists mostly of grains, nuts, and legumes.

Loma Linda is a religious city. A large percentage of the population are Seventh-Day Adventists, a denomination that doesn’t smoke, eat red meat, or drink caffeine or alcohol. Avoiding these vices has contributed to keeping the people who live here significantly healthier than the rest of the country.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean Sea known for its beautiful beaches and ancient rock formations. It also boasts the highest concentration of men in the world who live to be over 100 years old.

Male shepherds in this region walk for miles as part of their natural lifestyle. They also live off the land, eating organic foods like eggplant, beans, tomatoes, zucchini, and olives. Everyone in Sardinia cares for their elders and boasts a strong sense of familial values.

How to Live Like You’re in a Blue Zone

Not everybody lives in a blue zone. The good news is you don’t have to pack up and move to one to reap the same benefits. Start now by doing the following:

Eat Better

Residents of blue zone areas primarily eat whole, plant-based, non-processed foods. Buy from farmers markets whenever possible, or if you have a green thumb, grow your own food in a garden. It also doesn’t hurt to practice hara hachi bu like the Okinawans and eat until you’re 80% full.

Get Moving

Sitting on the couch and watching TV isn’t the blue zone way. Men in Sardinia are constantly on the move as they tend to their land. The same goes for the hikers and bikers in Ikaria. Follow in their footsteps by being as active as possible every day.

Connect With Others

Facebook and Instagram don’t count here! To connect with others, you need to actually spend time together in person. Carve out quality time for your friends and family. You can also volunteer or join a local club to meet new, interesting people.

There you have it. Get on the path to a healthier, longer life now, and you may just have enough time to take a vacation to every blue zone area on the list.

Do you live in a blue zone area? Have you ever traveled to one? I’d love to hear about it! Sound off in the comments.

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